12 Heartbreaking photos of Puerto Rico during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria

Devastation was brought to Puerto Rico as a category four hurricane made landfall, a disaster that took down the country's power grid, leaving millions without access to electricity, water, or communications. It has been reported that at least 16 people have died so far, with many more injured.

Recovery attempts could take more than a decade to complete, with the island's infrastructure in desperate need of support and rebuilding.

"We have not experienced an event of this magnitude in our modern history," Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló stated, as the island tries to come to terms with what has happened. Many journalists and residents have captured the staggering events in words, but photographers have also brought to light heartbreaking glimpses into the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

1. Flooded street in San Juan

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2. Dogs in flooded house in Cantano

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3. Woman surveys damage to her home

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4. Crowds collecting water from a natural spring created by landslides

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5. Collecting possessions from their destroyed home

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6. Aerial photo of the flooded town of Loiza

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7. Supermarket line in San Juan

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8. Mother comforts daughter at church service following the hurricane

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9. Overflow from the Guajataka River Dam

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10. A man cycles cycles along damaged road in Toa Alta

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11. Woman washes clothing at an open road drainage

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12. Felled trees cover the roads in San Juan

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Help has been slow to come to the communities of Puerto Rico that have been greatly affected by the tropical storm. The U.S. government has assured its citizens that billions of dollars are being committed to federal assistance. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy, and hope that the recovery efforts are successful.